She's practising her first party, James. The swells
are at the door.
JAMES [heavily]. That's what I came to say. They are at the door.
JOHN. Who?
JAMES. The swells; in their motor. [He gives JOHN three cards.]
JOHN. 'Mr. Tenterden.'
DAVID. Him that was speaking for you?
JOHN. The same. He's a whip and an Honourable. 'Lady Sybil
Tenterden.' [Frowns.] Her! She's his sister.
MAGGIE. A married woman?
JOHN. No. 'The Comtesse de la Briere.'
MAGGIE [the scholar]. She must be French.
JOHN. Yes; I think she's some relation. She's a widow.
JAMES. But what am I to say to them? ['Mr. Shand's compliments, and
he will be proud to receive them' is the very least that the Wylies
expect.]
JOHN [who was evidently made for great ends]. Say I'm very busy, but
if they care to wait I hope presently to give them a few minutes.
JAMES [thunderstruck]. Good God, Mr. Shand!
[But it makes him JOHN'S more humble servant than ever, and he
departs with the message.]
JOHN [not unaware of the sensation he has created]. I'll go up and
let the crowd see me from the window.
MAGGIE. But--but--what are we to do with these ladies?
JOHN [as he tramps upwards]. It's your reception, Maggie; this will
prove you.
MAGGIE [growing smaller]. Tell me what you know about this Lady
Sybil?
JOHN. The only thing I know about her is that she thinks me vulgar.
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